Soils I - Part 3 - The Soil as a Three Phase System
Based on the Lecture "Soils 1" by Adrien Mestrot at the University of Bern (HS20)
Based on the Lecture "Soils 1" by Adrien Mestrot at the University of Bern (HS20)
Fichier Détails
Cartes-fiches | 46 |
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Langue | English |
Catégorie | Géographie |
Niveau | Université |
Crée / Actualisé | 11.02.2021 / 12.02.2021 |
Attribution de licence | Pas de droit d'auteur (CC0) (Mestrot, Adrien (2020). Lecture: Soils I. Personal collection of Adrien Mestrot, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.) |
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3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
Soil is made up of three phases. Name the phases. What is their respective contribution to the soil volume (%)? Why are these percentages not accurate?
- Gas Phase (soil air): ca. 25%
- Liquid Phase (soil solution): ca. 25%
- Solid Phase (soil matrix): ca. 50%
These numbers do not account for any type of soil. The phases are not distributed equally in permanently wet groundwater soils or in desert soils. Additionally soils can be subject to short-term changes (swelling/ shrinking, freezing/ thawing, soil management).
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
Define "soil structure".
Soil structure (also soil texture) is the arrangement of the solid soil components in relation to each other.
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
Define "pore structure".
Pore structure is the structure of the cavities, holes, voids, gaps , interstices of the soil.
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
Define "pore".
also elaborate.
A pore is an interstice between solid substances. It es the negative matrix of the solid substance (25% air, 25% water). It is idealized as capillaries (small interconnected tubes).
Distinction by...
...size (diameter), formation and fucntion.
Depends on
- Grain size: rounded particles fit together better than angled i.e. clay platelets
- Grain shape: small grains can fit in the pores of bigger grains. Therefore the porosity is smaller in soils with mixed grain size
- Soil organic matter content
- Soil development
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
What are "bulk density" and porosity?
Bulk density and porosity are closely linked to the pore volume. They are both very important for the water and air budget of the soil. They depend on four factors: Grain size, organic matter, structure/ texture and management (→ compaction!).
- Minerals soils typically have a density of 0.8-1.8 g/cm3
- Organic soils typically have a density of 0.12-0.48 g/cm3
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
Not all pores are the same size. Typically pore size is distributed in coarse pores > 10µm, medium pores 0.2-10µm and fine pores < 0.2µm. What are the characteristics for each pore size? Why does pore size matter for the microbiome?
Coarse pores: > 10 μm
- Bioturbation, shrinkage cracks, roots
- Important for ventilation, oxygen supply of the soil
- Macroporous flow: fast transport, no water binding, easy drainage
- Restriction of the filter function of the soil for fertiliser, pesticides, pollutants
- Plant available seepage water, accessible for root hairs
Medium pores: 0.2 - 10 μm
- Plant available capillary water (easily accessible)
- Material exchange
- Accessible for bacteria and other microorganisms
Fine pores: < 0.2 μm
- Tightly bound water (not available to plants)
- Not accessible to living beings → no life
The Size of Microorganisms matters for the pores they live in. The more different pore sizes there are the more divers your soil life is. Most microorganisms live in the big and medium pore sizes.
3.1 Phase Distribution and Porosity
There are two types of pore sizes. Explain.
There are primary pores (in all substrates, grain interstices, obvious with gravel and sand: interstitial or intergranular pores) and secondary pores (formed through soil development, worm and root tubes, shrinkage cracks).
3.1 Important Topic Summarizing Question
Why is porosity so important?
Soil Porosity is important for
- the water balance (water available to plants)
- the oxygen supply for soil organisms: big pores, good oxidated soils, good climate for microorganisms and transport
- Water and material transfers
- Soil stability
- Rooting and habitat